First floor waterfront condominium with boating access just minutes from Key West priced to sell at $249,000! One bedroom/one bath 580 square foot condominium with one assigned parking space, new central air conditioning, stainless appliances, granite countertops and a living room looking out at the water. This unit has just been completely renovated. Move right in and enjoy waterfront living! This is a great opportunity to own a piece of Paradise at a very reasonable price. 100% financing available! Listing #106009 $249,000 (LP) 201  Coppitt Rd #104B,  Big Coppitt, FL  33040   Yr: 1974  Beds: 1 Baths: 1 (1 0) (FH)See More Details  Our website  03/11/2008

The asking price just got a lot better on 421-423 Simonton Street in the very heart of Old Town Key West. This property is the ugliest of ducks in Old Town. But the location is just about as good as it gets. The property is ripe for renovation and the new asking price makes that prospect of renovation more realistic. 421 Simonton was originally listed in April 2006 at $2,299,999. It didn't sell, and the price has been sporadically reduced on March 4th. The new price is $1,350,000. This is what you get for the money: 3766 sq ft building on a 3520 sq ft lot. There are 5 ROGO UNITS WITH TRANSIENT LICENSING plus 2 retail stores on the ground floor located one block from Duval. Possible Guesthouse or Condo conversion. Renovation project with lots of potential. Room for a pool. CLICK HERE fo... 03/11/2008

When the weather up north makes the evening news I always thank God I moved to Key West. The snowstorm and tornadoes that hit the Midwest last week were devastating, and I make no joke about that. I lived in Colorado for all of my life until I moved to Key West in December 1993. I remember many times when the thermometer hit 20 below zero and I would have to get up a couple of times during the night to start the car just to make sure it would start the next morning. I had a huge front sidewalk that I got to shovel. The heavy Denver snowstorms started to take their toll on me. It started snowing like hell the afternoon before I left Denver to head to New York City in passage to Key West. (I had to be somewhere while my furniture was in transit to the Keys.) New York City was just as col... 03/10/2008

Two of my friends from my former office are multi-million dollar real estate agents year after year. During their time off from their busy real estate practice, they renovate homes for fun and profit. They design each property for a discerning buyer and oversee all of the construction to make sure the work is done to their standards. The home at 709 Bakers Lane was their crown jewel in Key West. This property at 709 Bakers Lane is just two blocks from Duval on Solares Hill--the highest point in Key West. The compound is actually two homes plus a guest cottage that is hidden away on the one block long Bakers Lane in the mid 600 block of Elizabeth Street. Each building was thoughtfully renovated to provide separate living spaces for the owner and family or friends. The great room in the ... 03/08/2008

First time to do this. Two blogs entries on the same day. So it must be important. A local Realtor (who is also the owner) just listed 826 Olivia Street in Old Town. The house has been tastefully updated and is priced to sell quickly at $695,000 or $690 per sq ft for this 2 bed 1 bath home of 1007 sq ft on a 1731 sq ft lot. This property was listed for sale at $749,000 in 2007. Old pic shows the house in 2005 before the fairy dust was applied. The other pics are of its present incantation. It looks like something out of a 1940's movie--it oozes charm. This is how the listing Realtor describes this property: "This charming home, with extraordinary ambiance and comfortable, convenient floor plan, is located on historic Olivia Street, in Old Town Key West. Upon entering the large Great Ro... 03/07/2008

A woman walked into our office the other day and asked to speak to the guy who writes the blog. Everyone looked at me and wondered if they should run for the door. She owns a home (not condo or townhome) on the Key West golf course that she is trying to sell. She wants to sell her house at a high price based on today's market without using a Realtor. "Why come to me?", I thought. Then she said she wanted to stop paying her mortgage payments because of something she had heard on TV about mortgage relief. I asked what her interest rate is and she said 6%. That's not bad, I said. But she came back and said she didn't want to have make any payments for a year so that she could catch up on other bills. Wouldn't we all? She mentioned she is friends with a Key West real estate investor who pu... 03/07/2008

Other Keys Weather Indicators • Average Wind Speed 10.9 • Clear Days  104 • Partly Cloudy Days 155 • Cloudy Days 107  • Avg. Relative Humidity 74.5.  To see stats by the month, go to http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/united-states/florida/key-west/ *Although it looks like we have lots of cloudy days, the sun is out almost year round and the clouds are partial-not like in the Northwest (where I’m from) and it will stay overcast and dark for weeks on end. *Also, although we do get rain here-it is a tropical rain and comes and goes quickly, generally acts as a refresher to the hot days.. To see average January temperatures across the United States go to http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/thematic-maps/usa-temprature-january.html Compare where you live or want to live in Florida. For more spe... 03/06/2008

• Eventually, the front appears on the horizon like a long, gray wall; when it hits, the wind jerks abruptly around to the north, and the air behind the front feels as if somebody up north left the door open on a giant freezer. • Fortunately, cold temperatures following a front usually don't last long. • Within a few days, skies clear, temperatures warm, and once again, Southern Florida shows off the weather that attracts all those winter visitors. • Then, within a few weeks, the overall dry, mild dry season gives way to the rainy, sweaty rainy season that drives them all away. The above article was written by By KEVIN LOLLAR, klollar@news-press.com Published by news-press.com on November 3, 2003. His emphasis was on the southwest area of Florida just above the everglades, however the ... 03/06/2008

• A typical rainy-season day in Southern Florida starts with a hot, humid morning, followed by a hotter afternoon, clouds moving in from the east, and sometimes violent thunderstorms. • The frequency of summer thunderstorms has made Southern Florida the lightning capital of the world, so it's a good idea to seek shelter as the clouds roll in. • Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 • Emergency managers suggest that residents educate themselves about hurricanes and be prepared, just in case. • In contrast to Southern Florida's rainy season, dry season is, well, dry. • Eleven inches of rain spread over six months doesn't exactly put us in the same arid league with the Sahara, but the countryside can get pretty parched. • In one of those curious hydrological coincidences, the dry s... 03/06/2008

The Keys sub-tropical climate offers year-round sports and recreational opportunities. Winter, spring and fall are filled with lots of sunshine. • The hottest month is August with an average high of 89° F and an average low of 78° F. In January the average high temperature is 74° F and the average low is 65° F. • There has never been frost or freezing conditions in Key West. • Normal annual precipitation is 39 plus inches, with the largest monthly totals accumulating from July through September. Subtropics marked by two distinct seasons • Weather is what brings a lot of people to Southern Florida - particularly during the dry, mild winter. • It's also what drives a lot of people away - particularly during the hot, rainy, sweaty, sticky summer. • Welcome to the subtropics, an area just ... 03/06/2008

The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment. Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition areas, that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living. Cost of living indexing explanation • A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example: • Boise Idaho is ranked at a 99 • Boston Mass is rated at 240 • San Francisco at 217 • Orlando Fl is 107.3 and Miami is 116.2 • Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 90 and up. • One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements For ... 03/06/2008

Florida Keys and Monroe County Arts The Keys are made up of small towns and communities. However, due to the strong economy from our tourist base, the Arts are a primary part of our culture. Most weekends bring festivals and street parties throughout the Keys and especially in Key West. Photography of wildlife here is also great. The Florida Keys Council of the Arts does a great job in supporting Art in the Keys Also see the Key West Arts and historical society Music • The Keys Community Concert Band. Susan Bazin 451-4530. • Keys Chamber Orchestra. Call Inga-Lisa Wright, 305-744-0508 • The Key West Pops, Inc. - 305 293-7658, P.O. Box 6206 • Note to musicians-There are about a zillion Tiki bars etc, that have live music. The times range from the afternoon through the evening. The pay is... 03/06/2008

LOCATION, an ocean front ground floor unit, AND CONVENIENCE, from the parking lot through your private patio to your unit, best describes this 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit. Two unique features being offered in this unit are the second bathroom and also the bonus of the private patio which gives you your own outdoor living area. Watch the sunrises and sunsets, find yourself a relaxing spot on the massive grounds and read a book, take a walk on the beach or just open your sliding glass doors to listen to the ocean or feel the ocean breeze. Nicely renovated with Mexican tile floors and fully furnished. Come see today. Listing #103993 $399,000 (LP) 03/06/2008

A 45' boat slip located at the Galleon Marina, in the heart of downtown Key West and within walking distance to famous Duval Street. You can enjoy shopping, take in all of the wonderful attractions, experience the fine dining and be close enough to enjoy the night life. This location is breakwater shielded and provides engineered docks for maximum protection. The Galleon Marina has hosted the World Championship Power Boat Races, the Clearwater to Key West Yacht Race and others. You'll love the excitement, adventure and the thrill of just being there! Boat slip fees are $645 per month which includes your taxes and the use of all the great amenities The Galleon Resort has to offer. One of the owners is a FL licensed real estate agent. Listing #107920 $275,000 (LP)  03/06/2008

Just Listed 40' Boat Slip located at Sunset Marina. Excellent location within this very protected marina. Easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Sunset Marina is a full service marina with on-site management, marina store, fuel dock, security, laundry and shower facilities. Assoc. fee $503.36/qtr and $233.83/qtr for reserves. Financing available thru First State Bank, Key West Bank, and Orion Bank. Call today! Listing #107219 $238,000 (LP) 03/06/2008

Best priced boat slip at Sunset Marina. This 40' concrete floating dock boat slip will accommodate a boat up to 45' with a beam up to 15'. There is easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities include a private clubhouse, pool and spa, gated entrance and patrolled security. The marina also features a full-service management team, fuel dock, and bait shop. Assn. Fees are $845/quarter. Owner is a Lic. Real Estate Agent.Listing #107163 $199,000 (LP) 03/06/2008

Rarely Available 60' state of the are floating dock boat slip located at Sunset Marina. The boat slip will accommodate a boat up to 65' and measures 19.9' wide. The purchase of the boat slip is a fee simple deeded bay bottom. Sunset Marina is the most protected marina in the Keys, and had the least damage during hurricane Wilma. There is power, water, phone hook-up, and cable at the dock, shower and laundry facility, patrolled security, on-site management, dockmaster, fuel service, and convenience store.Listing #105432 $450,000 (LP) 03/06/2008

Experience the most beautiful Open Water Views, and spectacular sunsets from the privacy of your spacious lanai. This luxurious condominium has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an open floor plan with tile through-out, custom cabinetry, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances,a wet bar with built in wine cooler, built-in closet organizers, and hurricane shutters. Experience the care-free living of the Key at Sunset Marina with its beautiful tropical landscaping, private gated entrance, a club house for entertaining, pool, spa, on site-management and 24 hr security. Sunset Marina is just 4 miles from down town Key West, across from the Key West Golf Club, and minutes by boat to the best fishing,diving,and boating the Keys has to offer.Listing #106682 $1,150,000 (LP) Price/SqFt:  738.13 ... 03/06/2008

Several of the Key West homes that I have suggested potential buyers should consider have sold. So I thought it would be interesting to look at the asking price and the sold price on those properties. If you are in the market to purchase a house in Key West this little exercise may give you some insight into how much individual houses have been selling for during the past few months. I have suggested the Shipyard Condominiums at Truman Annex as a good property to consider purchasing because of the units are easy to rent year after year. There were 9 sales during the past year. The least expensive sale was listed at $500,000 and sold for $475,000. The median sale was listed at $590,000 and sold at $520,000. The condos at 1800 Atlantic is another excellent property for second home buyers... 03/06/2008

Price just reduced. 3 Bedroom 1 Bath concrete home on Key West's only boating canal at a great price. Lowest priced house on Riviera Canal. Brand new roof in May 2005, new dual zone central AC, soundproof doors & windows, new breakers, oversized laundry room, hurricane shutters, big shed/utility room and a large back yard with a step down full sea wall are only some of the many features of this home. Plenty of room in the yard to add a canal side pool. Come see this home today before somebody else beats you to it.  Offered at $599,000  Call Gary McAdams, GMAC Schwartz Property Sales 305-731-0501 garymcadams@realtorgary.com keywestinvesting.com, sellingthekeys.com 03/05/2008